Life is all about the little moments and the little things, I share mine here in my Castle of Dreams

CELEBRATIONS

From my window I saw summer go by… from my window, I saw my thoughts go wild… I still wonder why I didn’t get to say goodbyeOh Summer beautiful … liquid dreams and all…Can’t take away the beauty of Autumn or Fall, Winter and cold, having their own memories their own soul.Fire cracking, book diving, dreaming begins again…Contemplating that all is possible… didn’t I feel before the same? .I find over and over that life repeats itself, I’m always starting over or at least it feels this way……Despite all the beginnings … the decades we left back, some things will never change, the language of silence, the feeling of touch, those arms and legs intertwined like an abstract piece of art…..A tiny home is enough when your heart is in the right place……waiting is a joy when you know who you are waiting for… When you have somebody else…Family oh family … we all have different walks but isn’t it just perfect, isn’t it the best when we can come together putting things to rest, when we can get together and stop?…and there they go again, leaving my soul all warm, but I love the sound of silence and I love my time alone…Warm wine, cossy feet, a good book …and somebody to share them with…I wish you all tomorrow, along with a cup of JOY, to have someone to share, the birth of our LORD…

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I’m so grateful to be able to appreciate all the blessings we have; Sometimes I still catch myself bothered by minimal things that, under the light of the Paris tragedy , shouldn’t even face me, but I’m spoiled and impatient and need to be reminded how precious life is and how it all can change in a split second.

I’m so grateful for my family, they are my everything, it shouldn’t matter that we live in different places of the country and of the world, what matters is that we are alive and that we love each other and we have each other’s back.

I’m grateful for friends, real ones, the ones that stay with you when you are down and cheer for you when you are up. They are rare and precious and we should treasure them for the blessing they are.

I’m grateful for the little moments and the little things, those that fill us with joy and hope, making it all worth it; the moments we hold on to forever to remember anytime we want or need to. We only need to take the time to bring them back, pause for a while and accept them for what they are, presents from God, the opportunity to relive and experience the love again, perhaps not in the same way we would like to, but not less real for that so… We realize as we age, that we almost don’t know anything, The more we live, the more we learn, the better we understand how little our grasp of the universe is, how minuscule our understanding of the power of the brain… How limited our perception of the greatness of the soul!

Today, after complaining for days about my computer’s wireless mouse freezing all the time, after being frustrated because even though I bought a new mouse I still can’t connect it to the computer because I can’t sinc them! Today I realized I still have an iPad and an iPhone to THANK YOU for the more than 16,000 visits to my little blog… More than 16,000 visits to my only 37 posts…. I’m humbled and grateful…. Even though for some bloggers that number might be small, it is not to me! it means the world to see people from all over the world in here, specially all the people from France these last days… I’m GRATEFUL for you all and I’m sending you my love.

I’m writing this on my phone and I’m not good at revising what I write, so forgive me for the mistakes, I just want you to know that I do feel you and I do appreciate you.

Finally and more importantly, I’m grateful for God, for His Love and teachings, for my faith, for always asking me to love and respect all, for asking me not to judge. For expecting me to help and serve others regardless. For asking me to be humble and for teaching me that joy is only found in love and compassion for all, for teaching me that there is no joy in a mean spirit who only looks up for its self and self gratification. For teaching us that we come from light and we come from love, that we are all one and that we need each other to connect with the source of it all. His love. I’m grateful that my God never asked me to kill and hate others in order to be able to go to heaven and I’m grateful I was never taught otherwise. Not everybody is that lucky.

I get my inspiration from everywhere, either a dress, a painting or a sunset…. I hope any images here help you find yours, it only takes a little bit of imagination and always looking at things with the eyes of the soul instead of our physical, limited ones, limits that come from our minds and that are only imposed to ourselves by us … Imagination is limitless.

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

I believe images are powerful and inspiring, if we stop limiting our perceptions to the obvious, a world of possibilities and wonder lays ahead of us. Happy dreaming or happy traveling of the mind and a great weekend everyone. Thank you for stopping by!

Emmanuelle Beart. So beautiful! That would make an amazing wedding dress, wouldn’t it?Gorgeous!Jewel tones are exquisite..Baccarat… a million crystals of inspiration!Hotel de CrillonHotel Crillon, Paris.Hotel de CrillonColin Cowie. Beyond talented!.. He is definetly one of the best!Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani, magnificent!All the right combinations..Rosie HuntingtonColin Cowie, The Bridal CircleSummer dream...Everything pretty is the rule!.Hotel de Crillon.Spectacular shoes!Have you ever seen something more adorable?Vintage feel with old framesCamilla Belle, Jezebel magazineParis in bloom. Cherry blossoms!Like Ice candy!When words are absolutely unnecessary and redundant..Infinite possibilitiesLebanese designer Elie Saab presents his Spring/Summer 2011 Haute Couture collection at theTheatre de Chaillot during the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris, France, 26 January 2011. Photo by Nicolas Gouhier/ABACAPRESS.COMEugenia Silva for Armani, found at ru_glamour.livejournal.comCimbrone Gardens, Ravello, Italy…Villa CimbroneGold and Black, perfect.Black and GoldJust what I needed!Carolina Herrera. Such a class act, such a talent..Pink Powder…Elie Saab, timeless..Beautiful brideColin Cowie weddingsValentina Zelyaeva, Ralph Lauren.Ralph … always and forever…La vie en Rose ..Crystal inspiration from Baccarat, it’s a symphony for the senses!Colin CowieLittle Flower girlColin Cowie, he is amazingBy Studio B Floral, Burnsville. Founded in mnbride.comAlberta Ferretti, Pre Fall 2015. What is this doing here? I love the anticipations for things to come… in every single way!How beautiful is that?!…Art…George V Hotel, Paris.Oscar de la Renta..Ralph…Ralph Lauren. Now you can pick your color palette and get inspired with the elements and colors of one single dress!

Once again, enjoy your weekend and make it count! Intensity can be experienced in many unexpected ways!

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

I am officially in Weddingwire since yesterday ! For those who don’t know, WeddingWire is a Website dedicated to all things weddings, conveniently “wired” together for couples to find the best professionals in all areas they could possibly need for their big day and everything around it. They can also read reviews and leave their own
Make-up artists, Hair stylists, Floral Designers, Wedding Venues, Rehearsal dinner Venues, Photographers, Bridal boutiques, Hotels, Wedding planners, Catering, etc. You can find them all there and now you can find ME as well! Here is the link to my weddingwire account: http://www.weddingwire.com/enchantedgardenfl

On April 25, I had the pleasure of helping, a gorgeous couple from Florida, with their wedding flowers. I flew to St. Augustine, the 21st and the flowers, arrived the 22nd in the morning.

It really does look like an Enchanted Garden! It felt like Christmas, opening the boxes full of blooms desperate for water after traveling all the way from Colombia, Ecuador and California.

Ana and Robert were surrounded by 80 of their closest friends and family, including two grandmas and a Great-Grandma! This was the most important for them, to celebrate with the people who love them and whom they love. The only ones who didn’t make it to the wedding, where their beloved pets, Baron and Luna, a couple of adorable British Bulldogs. It would have been too much for them!

This is Luna! Isn’t she something?! Look at Baron at the bottom of the picture!

Ana is this young, tiny and delicate girl in appearance, with an inner strength and intelligence beyond her years. Robert, on the other hand, is the perfect counterpart for her, tall, dark and handsome, gorgeous smile, and a great dancer! They are beautiful together. I wish them much joy and I hope they never stop dancing, the way I saw them on their wedding day, glancing into each other’s eyes and smiling with their hearts.

I have patiently waited for the photographer’s pictures to be ready… I can’t wait any longer! When I get them I will definitely shared them, but now, the ones taken with my iphone by a very tired me, will have to suffice.

Glorious only after a few hours of hydration.Every Rose has its thorns says the song. These ones had many that had to be removed by yours truly… all by myself!Baby’s breath, one of the bride’s favorites, Eucalyptus, Italian Ruscus, Silver Dollar, and white hydrangeas.The Enchanted Garden? The Enchanted Garden Design and Flowers?…… Ayayay! HELP. I really wanted to name it after this Blog. “Château des Rêves” that means “Castle of Dreams” in French, but it is not that easy to remember…. I also really wanted to name it, simply: “Maria Teresa de Bracamonte Design and Flowers” or something of the sorts …. but again I’ve been advised against it, the reason being, because it would be hard to remember! I wonder… People were able to remember the name “Barack Obama” right? What about Arnold Schwarzenegger and Oscar de la Renta?! Is it that difficult to remember my maiden name María Teresa de Bracamonte?, it’s easy to me …

The bride and groom didn’t have a wedding party, nevertheless Ana wanted to give bouquets to a close group of family and friends

Isn’t that pretty?Almost done.Almost…This is Baron flying!Lovely, isn’t it?! (If I may say so myself!)…....You can tell I love the bouquet!Ready..

At last !

......…..

.

..........

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Spring has taken forever to arrive…. If I wait one more day, I don’t know what’s going to happen to me! It’s been said that you create your own reality… so here we go! Spring has sprung and I am happy beyond myself. Spread the Joy!

Keukenhof, the prettiest gardens!Naeem Khan Spring and Summer 2015Holland, wonder of the world !Spring in lifePierre Auguste RenoirThe colors of ProvençeFlower marketDazzling DCA season for gardening!A piece of heaven on the roofTwo of my favorite thingsDreaming while awake with Flowers and Florence!The new Spring ! Yes… who would have thought only 30 years ago!delicious freshness!Blooming Branches and chinoiserie vasesRanunculus, aren’t they pretty?!A swing bed in the garden..Prosciutto wrapped pears with spicy arugula leavesRomantique, vintage, depression glassI can almost see it, almost touch it, I can feel it !Chilled avocado and cucumber soup, served with a light and airy parmesan cheese chipWashington DC’s Cherry BlossomsPear, pancetta and feta salad with pomegranate dressingNaeem Khan SS 2015Claude MonetItalian Feast, Carolyne Roehm. I can definitely see myself doing this often!Can this get any better?!Gingham PinkI would totally feel like a southern belle here..Lemony cucumber cream cheese sandwichesDreamy pink canopyWoman at the Garden, RenoirSpring table in the cityI’m feeling the blues!A little piece of heavenI can’t wait for those tomatoes…. Tomato, Tomato? Potato, Potato?Sunshine through the flowers! Peonies, my favorite!Mimosa Bar….If life gives you lemons… Yep, that’s what I’m doing right now.There is something so special about Spring and children, both represent hope and new beginnings, always a fresh start….Wheelbarrow of funPretty in orangeChinoiserie influencesBringing the outdoor inside always helps!GazpachoBouquet bedazzleBlues from ProvenceLavender FieldsSuch beauty…Van Gogh, I wanted so bad for him to be happy… he seems happy here..Fantastic Freckles,Nature’s perfectionSpring, Pierre Auguste RenoirEmilio Pucci, Spring 2015Hyacinth and pink tulips inspirationOh my gosh… those colors ! Only in nature …Blueberry beautySmithsonian Gardens in DCSpring mold… of course, I couldn’t just put a regular cake mold or pan here, right? It had to be a SPRING ONE!Orange pretty!Claude MonetPatio rendez-vous ! Hound’s Tooth table cloth…Birch conesOrganic green tableGorgeous woman at her best!Family…. who else could sit at this table if not family, or friends who you consider a part of it?! Freshly picked berries in grandma’s heirloom purple goblets…. long, neatly pressed linen napkins, bought together during a family vacation in Provençe… gorgeous flowers, warm and bright, still infused with Spring’s rays of sun…Lovely colors and textures awaken my taste buds!Peaceful and fun in the city, after you create your own, little paradise…How pretty is this bar created with an antique silver tray and an old wicker table?! The Pellegrino cans and fragrant oranges give this vignette a Tuscan vibe! (Yes, I can smell the oranges… we have more senses than we realize!)Tea time… I wish we could bring it back!The beach, the perfect place for everything…Orange glow…A place to set…Magical nights begin!Barn lemonade, tea and Mason jarsLove is in the air, have you seen those velvety peaches behind the flower centerpieces?!… and everything else?!Wedding confidential..Those candelabras are exquisite! Can I have a glass of that p-l-e-a-s-e ?! It’s almost too pretty to drink. Almost.Glorious blooms in HollandChocolate and Berries! match made in heavenLa vie en rose…Time to start to create my dream… Enjoy your Spring !

Hello everybody! where did time go?! I’ve been really busy lately, traveling and working in a design project, among other things, in St. Augustine, and without realizing I almost forgot I have a blog … Not that I had been writing much since I started, I’ve been rather inconsistent about it, in spite of that I enjoy it immensely… What happens is that I have the impression, or at least I kid my self with the idea that nobody is going to read this, that it is just a kind of personal, kind of private sort of thing… and then I get a bit nervous when I see that I’d had visitors from all over the world…. how did that happened?! How is that even possible?! I know other bloggers are so used to it, not me, I still find comfort in anonymity and the lack of pressure that comes with not having a lot of people following you… in the other hand, deep down, you have the desire of being validated by people finding some value in your words… It’s complicated…

A few pictures of my visit to St. Augustine, Florida. This is one of the two Carrara marble Medici lions, flanking one of the entrances of “The Bridge of Lions” One of the prettiest in the countryThe second lion, they were made by the Italian sculptor Romanelli, and are copies of the ones in The Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Italy.Bridge of LionsPeacefulOpen bridge, cars are waiting for the ships to finish crossing, it is a pretty sight! The cars even seem to be enjoying the wait with those views.The GalleonImpressiveWhere two worlds mix togetherWhat an experience!

I took the time and looked, day by day, where all those visitors came from, WordPress shows all sorts of data like that, (I imagine also every other host in the planet) how many visits you had per day and where in the world your visitors came from… This is so COOL and I can’t believe it! People from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Greece, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom , Kuwait, Finland, Hungary, Chile, Austria, Kenya, Egypt, Korea,(I assume South Korea, right?! I don’t think Kim Jong-Un was reading my blog, since he is pretty much the only one with internet access in North Korea … I don’t take that matter lightly, just not the place or time to discuss it……. – And I went back and looked again, it clearly says: South Korea!) Perú, Slovenia, Argentina, India, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Australia, Poland, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong SAR China, Serbia, Jersey, Andorra, Iceland, Algeria, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Bermuda, Colombia, European Union, Brazil, Italy, New Zealand, Slovakia, Bangladesh, Romania, Mexico, Turkey, South Africa, Latvia, Czech Republic, Japan, Montenegro, Vietnam, Croatia and Reunion! Really? Jersey?! Is that even a country?… Never mind! I just Googled it and of course it is … I feel ashamed… (not really, not that much, how can I keep up with the new configurations of old nations and all the changes the world’s had and continue having?! … I should, but I don’t..)

– AND THERE THEY ARE! THE HAPPY CITIZENS OF JERSEY! SORRY GUYS…

I still can’t believe that somebody found me and took the time to read what I wrote… shocking…outstanding…mind blowing…scary… humbling…

Impatience has to be one of my biggest flaws. I can’t just write this and let it sit and then come back later or the next day and finish it. The way I see it, or I should say, the way I feel it, is that I’m just sharing this with a group of my friends, in a very informal and relaxed way….that’s why I talk about impatience, if somebody else apart from them is going to read any of these posts, I would/should take the time to correct them and try to make them better… But then again it wouldn’t feel right, it is not who I am, I’m not here pretending to be a writer, I’m just trying to share a little bit of my journey “Here on Earth” and the things I love…. My love of photography shows in my life in so many ways… pictures inundate every corner of it, my head and my phone, and I inundate the people in my life with them! My poor kids complain often, from wherever in the world they are at the time, about me sending too many photos, but I really believe that in time, they will be happy I did, and very glad to have them. There is a reason why when there is a fire, one of the first things people grab is just that, their pictures. Family is the great motivator in life, either the family you were born in, or the family you created yourself with friends and your own family.

I find photography fascinating, I see it as life itself frozen forever in time in a frame …. Isn’t that something?! perhaps that is why it is so popular to share your life in pictures in so many ways through the internet. People have a need to be seen or to be heard and they measure success with the number of “friends” or followers they have…. when success is found in the ability of living your life doing something you have a passion for, surrounded by the people you love, in peace with yourself and really liking the man or woman staring you back in the mirror!

Not to break a good habit, I’m sharing some pictures of the beautiful city of St. Augustine, where I spent my last month and a half, I hope you enjoy it and perhaps get motivated to visit this wonderful place. xx

My first night, dinner at O.C. White’s, a really nice place with live music and a dog friendly policy.

Dog friendly restaurantsThe best part of the night was spending time with my daughter who had just moved to St Augustine a few months agoFrench bakery and pâtisserie, Les Petits Pleasures were we had a really nice “dejeuner”, I didn’t get the name though, half french and half english…I totally loved the european vibe and the relaxed “laissez faire” atmosphere they haveA nice walk after dinner to experience the city and the beautiful sites of the oldest european settlement in the United Statesa walk to remember…It really was like going back in time, to a place I had never been before, to a time I had never known, and yet, it still felt so familiar…

The next pictures are obviously from another day…

Many pretty houses along the street facing the Matanzas riverEnchantedI was delighted!There were so many …Many pretty houses along the street facing the Matanzas riverLovely!

Up to here, all photos are mine.

At this point, after a long day of flying and emotional reunions, my phone had died, so it left me with no choice but getting some pictures from the internet to show you how pretty the city looked illuminated with thousands of lights for the Christmas season. I was told it had been very hard to walk, let alone drive, in the city up to a week before. I arrived on January 20th, so things had calmed down already and I was able to enjoy the sites without the commotion!

The Lightener MuseumThere is something really special about this city that appears to be frozen in time..The Bridge of Lions all decked out for the holidays, casting it’s spell on the Matanzas river…Festival of lights around the holidaysThe city has a violent history …What a beautiful view!Bay frontFlagler CollegeCastillo de San Marcos at nightSan MarcosBridge of Lionsat night..Mysterious..Tree covered street in St AugustineThe LionsPresbyterian churchThe Carrara marble lions , west end of the BridgeI’ll be coming back really soon!

– SO…WHAT DO YOU THINK? HAVE YOU ALREADY VISITED ST AUGUSTINE? IF NOT, HOPEFULLY THIS HELPED YOU GET MOTIVATED TO DO SO AND ENJOY ALL THE BEAUTY AND HISTORY THE CITY HAS TO OFFER. I’M GOING BACK AT THE END OF APRIL, SO I WOULD LOVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ABOUT WHAT NOT TO MISS! MORE PHOTOS TO COME IN THE NEXT POST 😉